ContactGreat Explorations

(800) 242-1825(604) 730-1247

“We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the organizers and support crew in the Sea to Sky Trail Ride this year. The event was well organized and we appreciate the hard work you all put into making this run smoothly. We were a group of seven riding, of all levels from beginner to amateur race cyclist and we all had a lot of fun. The scenery is spectacular and the distances just right so we felt we had done a good ride without being exhausted.”

Particulars

Event Dates:

Limit:

Start/Finish:

Whistler/ Squamish

(Shuttles from Squamish to Whistler are available)

Accommodations:

Options in Whistle. $35 gets you a bed at the Athlete's Lodge at the Ride start.

Activity Level:

Our participants have rated the trail 30% green, 60% blue and 10% blackish. We will provide options so that those who want a somewhat easier ride can skip the more more challenging sections. Having said that, it is a long ride and not for beginner mountain bikers. In fact, the more time you have spent on the saddle prior to the ride, the more fun you'll have.

Despite donations of over $10,000 from this event, the recreation officer for the Sea to Sky District, Allistair McCrone, and staff from Whistler and Squamish municipalities collectively don't seem to want this kind of event taking place. While they do welcome people to ride up the highway in timed events, the permit requirements for a non-competitive ride of this type are just too onerous to allow the event to happen in 2014.

Hopefully, we'll be back next year. For those that have participated in this event in previous years, the 2013 event will be a ONE DAY event, with a start in Whistler and a finish in Squamish. Think of this year’s ride as a Gran Fondo, for mountain bikers. Here's a preview: Film

For those new to the event, the trail between Whistler and Squamish is recognized as one of the classic routes in British Columbia. Whistler itself is an incredible start setting, virtually surrounded by snow-capped mountains boasting a lush valley with trails that wind past clear rivers and verdant forests. As you descend south, you’ll cross Brandywine River on a suspension bridge, pass towering fir, hemlock & spruce trees passing numerous lakes through terrain that can only be described as majestic.

You’ll be treated to a rest stop at a dramatic setting under the Tantalus range with views that will tempt you off your bike. Descending through the Cheakamus canyon, with the raging river far below will lead you to the aptly named Paradise Valley, for a flat and fast spin towards the finish. We’ve got a grand finish celebration planned with local musician Dana-Marie. Congratulations, you’ve made it. Cold beer anyone?

"Riding the world class trails down the Sea to Sky corridor should be on every mountain biker's lifetime bucket list. I appreciated how Great Explorations solved the logistical challenges and let me focus purely on the riding experience." Kris Holm, world-class unicyclist from North Vancouver, BC

Itinerary

ROUTE - see map below The 2013 route will begin from the Cheakamus Crosssing in Whistler at 9:00 am and finish at the Adventure Center in Squamish (expected times between 1:00-3:00) with a net elevation loss (descent) of over 2100'. There is some climbing however, and only people with experience riding single track (because there is lots of it) and the ability to ride 60 km should attempt this. Much of our route will follow the Sea to Sky Trail, where possible. For additional information on the trail and its development, visit www.seatoskytrail.ca

FESTIVITIES As part of the event, there will be a night before party, with dinner, live music, films and slide presentations to get you stoked for the next day's adventure. Invite your friends and family to our finish line festivites in Squamish- details will be in your confirmation letter.

SUPPORT Your registration fee includes well-stocked rest stops with food and refreshments, post-ride lunch on Sunday, transportation of your pack, mechanical support, ‘sag’ service, a commemorative Ride T-shirt, and all festivities; if permitted, we'll even provide you a cold beer at the finish. Maps and route instructions will be provided in the rider kits at the start of the Ride.

TRANSPORT You may wish to leave your car in Squamish and take advantage of our shuttle to Whistler, either on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. Buses will depart the Adventure Center on Saturday at 4:00 pm. Stay the night in Whistler and enjoy the village. We will transport packs to Squamish on Sunday morning so your bag is at the finish.

VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are needed before and during the event to help with registration, sag support and marshaling. Please call (604) 730-1247 or toll-free at 1-800-242-1825 to leave your name and telephone #.

Since the first Sea to Sky Trail Ride in 1995, over 2000 people have ridden the trail, helping to raise awareness to the value of this trail and to enable us to donate funds for further trail building and maintenance. The Sea to Sky Trail Society continues with its objective of linking the communities of D’Arcy, Whistler and Squamish entirely by trail. In addition, staff and volunteers for the Ride contribute time and resources to maintaining the trail that is part of the route for this event.